Five Mi’kmaw communities in Nova Scotia have come together to enter the world of casino gaming after successfully acquiring four casinos in Alberta. The communities – Millbrook, Paqtnkek, We’koqoma’q, Glooscap and Annapolis Valley — purchased Pure Canadian Gaming, which operates casinos in Edmonton, Calgary and Lethbridge.

The newly formed collective, Indigenous Gaming Partners (IGP), aims to generate financial independence for each of the five Mi’kmaw communities involved.

Michael Peters, chair of IGP and member of Glooscap First Nation, said while each community operates smaller gaming initiatives like video lottery terminals, this acquisition marks a significant step into the larger gaming industry.

“We’re trying to not only expand by diversifying to new industries … we’ve also diversified in our geography as well,” Peters said.